Charlotte is ringed by nature preserves and parks, including the nearly 1,000-acre McDowell Park and Nature Preserve, about 12 miles south of the city center on N.C. 49 (tel. 704/588-5224). Its heart is Lake Wylie. The preserve has many hiking trails, and paddleboats can be rented on the lake. Swimming isn't allowed, but fishing is. Call for more information.

Even bigger is Latta Plantation Park, the largest in the county, at 6211 Sample Rd. in Huntersville (tel. 704/875-1391), 12 miles northeast of the city center. It's a favorite resting place for waterfowl and has some 2,500 acres devoted to nature. It also has stables where you can rent horses and ride along some 7 miles of trail. A nature center and picnic tables are available. Fishing is permitted; swimming is not.

For bikers, the best route is between SouthPark and uptown Charlotte. If you'd like a route map, write the North Carolina Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 25201, Raleigh, NC 27611.

Because there are so many fishing possibilities in the Greater Charlotte area, you may want to obtain a state license from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission; call tel. 919/733-3391 for more information.

Tennis is available at many places in the area, including several city parks. Among the best are Hornet's Nest, Park Road, and Freedom. The Charlotte Park and Recreation Department (tel. 704/336-3854) will advise you on which ones are closest to your hotel or motel, assuming that there isn't a court where you're staying. The people of Charlotte, like those in all Piedmont cities, are devoted to golf. The Visitor Information Center (tel. 704/334-2282) has a complete list of courses that are open to the public.